1
S
AFETY
I
NFORMATION
1-14
WATER-SKIING
You can use the boat to tow a water
skier, using the tow cleat provided.
It is the boat operator’s responsibility to
be alert to the safety of the water-skier
and others. Know and follow all state
and local water-skiing regulations in
effect for the waters in which you will be
operating.
The following are some important con-
siderations for minimizing risks while
water-skiing.
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The skier should wear an approved
PFD, preferably a brightly colored
one so boat operators can see the
skier.
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The skier should wear protective
clothing. Severe internal injuries can
occur if water is forced into body
cavities as a result of falling into the
water or while reboarding. Normal
swimwear does not adequately pro-
tect against forceful water entry into
rectum or vagina. The skier should
wear a wetsuit bottom or clothing
that provides equivalent protection.
Such clothing includes thick, tightly
woven, sturdy, and snug fitting
apparel such as denim, but does not
include spandex or similar fabrics
like those used in bicycle shorts.
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A second person should be on
board as a spotter to watch the
skier; in most states, it is required by
law. Let the skier direct the opera-
tor’s control of speed and direction
with hand signals. The port-side
seat swivels for a backward-facing
observer. Be sure the seat is locked
in place (pg. 2-16) before getting
underway.
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When preparing to pull a skier, oper-
ate the boat at the slowest possible
speed until the boat is well away
from the skier and slack in the
towrope is taken up. Make sure that
the rope is not looped around any-
thing.
After checking that the skier is ready
and that there is no traffic or other
obstacles, apply enough throttle to
raise the skier.
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Make smooth, wide turns. The boat
is capable of very sharp turns,
which could exceed the abilities of
the skier. Keep the skier at least
50m (164 ft), about twice the dis-
tance of a standard towrope, away
from any potential hazard.
l
Be alert to the hazard of the towrope
handle snapping back at the boat
when the skier falls or is unable to
get up on the skis.
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